POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Tom McClintock asks impeachment witnesses whether they voted for Trump
Fresno Bee
Rep. Tom McClintock triggered a quick, tense firestorm Wednesday when he asked witnesses at the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment hearing if they had voted for President Donald Trump in 2016. They wouldn’t say.
Which issues matter the most in Merced County? Local political races taking shape
Merced Sun-Star
This week marks the next step toward bringing the 2020 campaign season from distant headlines right to Merced residents’ front doors.
Central SJ Valley:
Thousands in Fresno could lose food stamps under new Trump administration rule
Fresno Bee
The Trump administration finalized a rule Wednesday cutting off food stamps to roughly 688,000 American adults. The U.S. Agriculture Department said the move will save about $5.5 billion over five years. The rule takes effect in April 2020.
See also:
● 18,000 Fresno Co. residents to lose access to food stamps abc30
● Thousands in Tulare County could lose SNAP under Trump rule change Visalia Times Delta
● Nearly 700,000 SNAP Recipients Could Lose Benefits Under New Trump Rule Capital Public Radio
● Trump finalizes a new attack on food stamp recipients Los Angeles Times
● New Trump rule could eliminate food stamps for almost 200,000 Californians CalMatters
● New SNAP rule change just made it harder to combat future recessions Brookings
● Trump administration tightens work requirements for SNAP, which could cut hundreds of thousands from food stamps Washington Post
● Opinion: Food Stamps in Good Times Wall Street Journal
Devin Nunes’ calls to Giuliani, Lev Parnas have Democrats exploring discipline
Fresno Bee
A top House Democrat told reporters Wednesday that his party could explore disciplining Rep. Devin Nunes over the California Republican’s involvement with officials who now are at the center of President Donald Trump’s impeachment.
See also:
● Giuliani, Nunes and '-1': A Look At What The Impeachment Report Phone Records Mean VPR
● Rep. Devin Nunes files $435 million defamation lawsuit against CNN USA Today
McEwen: Revisiting Fresno's Sputtering Growth Plan Is a Must
GV Wire
Thus Fresno City Councilmembers Luis Chavez, Miguel Arias, and Mike Karbassi are to be commended for sticking their necks out and asking to revisit the 2035 General Plan passed in late 2014.
EDITORIAL: How to best help run-down Fresno neighborhoods? By not growing outward
Fresno Bee
One of the basic functions of a city is to plan for orderly growth. Fresno went through that process not long ago, adopting in 2014 an update to the general plan, the overall guide for how development was to occur.
South SJ Valley:
Feds begin working on fix for Friant-Kern Canal
Bakersfield Californian
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced on Tuesday that it had begun the process of repairing the sinking Friant-Kern Canal.
Police shootings of unarmed black people linked to health problems for black infants
Bakersfield Californian
A study of nearly 1,900 fatal police encounters and millions of birth records in California suggests that police killings of unarmed black people may affect the health of black infants before they are even born.
Bakersfield City Council prepares to choose next city manager for first time in decades
Bakersfield Californian
Wanted: a man or woman who can envision a future for Bakersfield and then make that vision a reality. Reward: based on prior experience. It is approaching decision time for the Bakersfield City Council. Over the next two months, the council will go about the work of selecting the next city manager, a role no council has had to undertake in more than a quarter of a century.
Hanford City Council reorganizes, talks cannabis dispensaries
Hanford Sentinel
The Hanford City Council met Tuesday evening to hold its annual reorganization and discuss some business, including a decision about cannabis dispensaries in Hanford.
State:
Newsom releases millions for homelessness crisis
abc30
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday $650 million in emergency aid will be allocated to cities and counties to combat California's homelessness crisis.
See also:
● Kern County eligible to receive millions from state to aid homeless epidemic Bakersfield Californian
● Tired of waiting for federal go-ahead, California Gov. Newsom releases homeless funding to counties, cities Desert Sun
● California to send millions of dollars to cities to combat homelessness Mercury News
● California governor blames Trump for delayed homeless aid Associated Press
● Gavin Newsom hires adviser forced out by Donald Trump in latest dustup over homelessness Sacramento Bee
● Trump Fired Him. Now California Has Made Him a Homelessness Adviser. New York Times
● Trump administration holding up California homeless efforts, Newsom charges San Francisco Chronicle
● Trump administration ousts top homelessness official as White House prepares broad crackdown Washington Post
● He wanted to ban feeding homeless people. Now he’s about to lead a federal homeless agency Los Angeles Times
California lawmakers fear wildfires will be left out of FCC emergency guidelines
Fresno Bee
Without proper guidance, lawmakers fear victims of wildfires could be left further disadvantaged and without necessary tools of communication during disasters.
State Refuses To Release Sexual Harassment Complaint Data Since January
Capital Public Radio
Public records requests are tricky and can often take weeks, or longer, before a reporter hears back. And sometimes, the request is denied and the reporter is left without vital data.
Podcast: California’s Continued Reaction to #MeToo Two Years Later – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Littler
Discussing training, arbitration agreements, and the extended statute of limitations for FEHA claims, Helene provides insights and guidance for California employers as we move into the third year of the cemented #MeToo movement.
California cuts electric-car rebates, drops luxury models
San Francisco Chronicle
California’s rebate program to coax more drivers to buy electric vehicles just got less generous, especially for those looking to spend on a luxury model. Effective Tuesday, state regulators have stopped offering rebates for buyers of electric cars or plug-in hybrid vehicles that cost more than $60,000 — a move that will make buyers of high-end Tesla models dig deeper into their pockets.
California recovers $23M from auto parts makers’ bid rigging
Associated Press
California has recovered more than $23 million from settlements with 52 automobile parts manufacturers for illegal bid rigging that jacked up consumer costs, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Wednesday. The parts makers suppressed competition by conspiring to fix prices in automobile manufacturers’ requests for bids, Becerra said.
EDITORIAL: Duncan Hunter is guilty — of cynically exploiting the country’s partisan divide
Los Angeles Times
When Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) revealed during a TV interview Monday that after months of proclaiming his innocence, he was now planning to plead guilty Tuesday in federal court to misusing campaign funds for pay for personal expenses, he said he was sorry.
Federal:
House will draft Trump impeachment articles, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says
Fresno Bee
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that the House is moving forward to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
See also:
● Pelosi announces House drafting articles of impeachment abc30
● Biden says he will not appear at Senate impeachment trial despite demands from Trump abc30
● Pelosi asks chairmen to pursue articles of impeachment against Trump Visalia Times Delta
● Pelosi Says House Democrats Will Draft Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump Capital Public Radio
● Tom McClintock asks impeachment witnesses whether they voted for Trump Sacramento Bee
● House has ‘no choice’ but to move to impeach Trump, Pelosi says Los Angeles Times
● What’s Next on Impeachment Lawfare
● Impeachment hearings live updates: Pelosi asks committee chairs to proceed with articles of impeachment Washington Post
● ‘Are you ready?’: Pelosi preps Democrats for next steps on impeachment Politico
● Impeachment investigators will present evidence at Judiciary hearing next week Politico
● Opinion: Notable & Quotable: Impeachment Experts Wall Street Journal
● EDITORIAL: Impeachment hearing just gave us a Constitution lesson. Will the GOP bother to learn it? Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: The House report makes a compelling case for impeaching Trump Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: Pelosi should make a deal with Trump San Francisco Chronicle
This effort to decriminalize marijuana nationally is even getting Republican support
Sacramento Bee
An historic House bill to decriminalize marijuana is moving in Congress with support from both Democrats and Republicans —legislation that would have a dramatic impact on people convicted of using or possessing the drug.
Anti-robocall bill passes House of Representatives
abc30
Those annoying robocalls are one step closer to being a thing of the past. The House of Representatives passed a bill that increases fines and requires phone companies to take a bigger role in stopping robocalls.
Nancy Pelosi Pushes to Remove Legal Protections for Online Content in Trade Pact
Wall Street Journal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing to strip out sweeping legal protections for online content in the new trade pact with Mexico and Canada, in what would be a blow for big technology companies.
Senators sound alarm on dangers of ransomware attacks after briefing
The Hill
Ransomware attacks have become an increasing threat nationwide over the past year, according to experts. The attacks involve an individual or group gaining access to a system, encrypting it and then demanding money before unlocking it for the owner.
Opinion: Polarized America Still Has a Big Middle
Wall Street Journal
In this era of partisan polarization, it might seem odd to speak of a “center” of American politics. But a soon-to-be-released survey suggests this term applies, albeit incompletely, to today’s American public. Both political parties ignore this center at their peril.
Elections 2020:
Warren and Biden lose ground, Sanders moves ahead in fluid California race
Los Angeles Times
Pete Buttigieg is also rising among California Democratic primary voters, a poll for The Times finds. Michael Bloomberg is the most unpopular candidate.
California campaign watchdog suspends donation rules after a member gives to Sanders
Los Angeles Times
California’s campaign watchdog agency has suspended a longstanding policy banning its members from contributing to federal candidates after one commissioner donated to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid.
Mayor Pete is Hollywood’s top pick now that Kamala Harris is out of the presidential race
CNBC
Among presidential candidates, only Kamala Harris has raised more money than Pete Buttigieg from the entertainment industry. Sharon Stone, Alyssa Milano and Michael J. Fox have all contributed to Buttigieg’s campaign. Buttigieg could be poised to benefit now that Harris has dropped out of the race.
Joe Biden Proposes $1 Trillion in New Corporate Taxes
Wall Street Journal
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden proposed nearly $1 trillion in new corporate taxes on Wednesday as he sought to generate more revenue to pay for his policy plans on health care, climate, infrastructure and education.
See also:
● Biden says he’ll consider Harris as his running mate Politico
● Blog Post: Joe Biden wants to reintroduce a corporate minimum tax AEI
Bloomberg’s Views on Marijuana Out of Step With Democratic Field
Wall Street Journal
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign is in the midst of a week focused on criminal justice and gun safety that could also spotlight an area in which his views are more conservative than the rest of the Democratic field: marijuana policy.
Harris exit points to hurdles facing minority candidates
Bakersfield Californian
Kamala Harris cloaked her presidential campaign in the promise of becoming the first black woman in the White House. That wasn't enough for donors and supporters, including black voters.
See also:
● Kamala Harris drops out and her rivals rush to capitalize in California Los Angeles Times
● What the Kamala Harris campaign meant to women of color San Francisco Chronicle
● Kamala Harris' Presidential Bid Is Over, But California Political Observers Still See National Potential Capital Public Radio
● Capitol Weekly Podcast: Kamala, what happened?.. and what now? Capitol Weekly
● 2020 Democrats are already fighting over Kamala Harris’ biggest fundraisers CNBC
● Kamala Harris’ backers are up for grabs. They could swing California San Francisco Chronicle
● California up for grabs as Harris exits race Politico
● Kamala Harris Dropped Out, But The #KHive And Stan Culture Aren’t Leaving Politics BuzzFeed.News
● Three Reasons Kamala Harris Crashed The Federalist
● Why black voters never flocked to Kamala Harris Politico
● Home-state skepticism of Kamala Harris foretold trouble Associated Press
● Campaigns swarm Harris donors after she exits the 2020 race Associated Press
● Column: Kamala Harris should never have run for president Los Angeles Times
'More billionaires than black people'
Politico
Kamala Harris’ decision to drop out of the presidential race has other non-white Democratic candidates lamenting the makeup of the next debate stage and the field overall.
Opinion: Gaffes, lies and missteps — how much will voters forgive in presidential politics?
Sacramento Bee
Quietly, with little public notice, Americans seem to be changing their standards for judging presidential candidates as people and as potential chief executives, at least the older ones. Gaffes, health issues, behavioral traits do not have the same significance they once did.
Federal court says California OK in forcing shifts to district elections
San Francisco Chronicle
A federal appeals court rejected a conservative organization’s challenge Wednesday to the California Voting Rights Act, a law that seeks to further minority representation by requiring a substantial number of local governments and public agencies to switch from at-large to district elections.
Other:
A small group of prolific users account for a majority of political tweets sent by U.S. adults
PEW Research Center
For years now, Twitter has been an important platform for disseminating news and sharing opinions about U.S. politics, and 22% of U.S. adults say they use the platform. But the Twitter conversation about national politics among U.S. adult users is driven by a small number of prolific political tweeters. These users make up just 6% of all U.S. adults with public accounts on the site, but they account for 73% of tweets from American adults that mention national politics.
Progressives Have Short Memories
The Atlantic
The Democrats’ leftward lurch doomed Kamala Harris, an ex-prosecutor—and ignores the political pressures that black and female candidates faced not long ago.
Blog Post: Justice Thomas, preemption, and state net neutrality
AEI
In late October, the Supreme Court quietly declined to review Lipschultz v. Charter Advanced Services, an Eighth Circuit decision that preempted state regulation of fixed Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) service. While concurring in the denial of certiorari, Justice Thomas wroteseparately to challenge the underlying theory of federal preemption, noting that “it is doubtful whether a federal policy — let alone a policy of nonregulation — is” sufficient to establish conflict preemption.
Opinion: A Modest Proposal for America’s Teens
Wall Street Journal
After the 2016 election, students from two high schools—one in Chicago and the other in rural Wisconsin—took turns visiting each other. The field trips were designed to help students understand each other’s politics and ways of life. “I thought they would be like hillbillies who would be really rude and closed-minded,” a Chicago girl told WBEZ-FM. “I thought we’d be more accepting, but they’re just as accepting . . . as we are.”
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 8, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: California Migration: The Story of Us - Guest: Judy Lin, CALmatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 8, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: California Migration & Immigration: Who Is Coming and Who is Going? - Guests: California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla; Sarah Bohn, PPIC; John Myers, Los Angeles Times; and Judy Lin with CALmatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 8, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: Fresno Bridge Academy: A Model to Replicate Statewide. - Guests: Pete Weber, Fundador y Dir. Junta Directiva de Fresno Bridge Academy & Arasely Linares, Directora de Programas de Reading and Beyond. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
A pistachio giant is suing Fresno County over a rival’s nut processing plant. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
Wonderful Nut Orchards LLC, a giant in the pistachio industry, is suing Fresno County to try and halt the construction of a potential rival’s nut processing plant.
Thousands in Fresno could lose food stamps under new Trump administration rule
Fresno Bee
The Trump administration finalized a rule Wednesday cutting off food stamps to roughly 688,000 American adults. The U.S. Agriculture Department said the move will save about $5.5 billion over five years. The rule takes effect in April 2020.
See also:
● 18,000 Fresno Co. residents to lose access to food stamps abc30
● Thousands in Tulare County could lose SNAP under Trump rule change Visalia Times Delta
● Nearly 700,000 SNAP Recipients Could Lose Benefits Under New Trump Rule Capital Public Radio
● Trump finalizes a new attack on food stamp recipients Los Angeles Times
● New Trump rule could eliminate food stamps for almost 200,000 Californians CalMatters
● New SNAP rule change just made it harder to combat future recessions Brookings
● Trump administration tightens work requirements for SNAP, which could cut hundreds of thousands from food stamps Washington Post
● Opinion: Food Stamps in Good Times Wall Street Journal
More than 100 people sick from E.coli outbreak in romaine lettuce
abc30
More than 100 people across the U.S. have been infected with E.coli linked to romaine lettuce, according to federal officials.
See also:
● Romaine lettuce tainted by fecal bacteria sickens more than 100 people Los Angeles Times
Making farms more climate resilient might protect California from wildfire damage
Sacramento Bee
When you think about farms at the front lines of climate-related challenges, you may think of extreme weather, floods or drought. But did you know we’re also at the front lines of wildfire?
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Bodycam footage shows Ceres officer firing repeatedly as 15-year-old runs into orchard
Modesto Bee
The high-speed chase that reached 105 mph was over in a flash of gunfire. Ceres police officer Ross Bays was out of his patrol vehicle in less than three seconds after pulling up to the black Lexus he had been chasing. He issued no commands and immediately fired more than a dozen shots as 15-year-old Carmen Spencer Mendezran into an orchard of young almond trees.
This effort to decriminalize marijuana nationally is even getting Republican support
Sacramento Bee
An historic House bill to decriminalize marijuana is moving in Congress with support from both Democrats and Republicans —legislation that would have a dramatic impact on people convicted of using or possessing the drug.
Vehicle Theft Cases on the Rise According to Clovis PD
Clovis Roundup
With the holiday shopping season here, theft cases are on the rise. In the last two weeks alone, 40 cases of theft from vehicles and vehicle burglaries have been reported. Comparing to the month of October’s 47 cases according to the Clovis Police Dept.
Another showdown over crime looms
CalMatters
No California ballot would be complete without at least one measure about crime and punishment and 2020 will be no exception. A referendum seeking to overturn California’s landmark ban on cash bail in criminal cases will once again test voters’ sentiments about the treatment of accused lawbreakers.
Public Safety:
Sheriff Youngblood addresses concerns about realistic BB guns for kids
Bakersfield Californian
The BB gun in the local sporting goods ad looked just like a 9mm Glock semi-automatic handgun — which has the potential to be quite lethal.
Police shootings of unarmed black people linked to health problems for black infants
Bakersfield Californian
A study of nearly 1,900 fatal police encounters and millions of birth records in California suggests that police killings of unarmed black people may affect the health of black infants before they are even born.
Stockton Record
A Stockton man claims he was brutally beaten by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office correctional officers on the basis of his race while being booked into the County Jail early Monday morning.
Sacramento Moves Closer To Making Panic Buttons Required At City Hotels
Capital Public Radio
An ordinance to require panic buttons for hotel staff has passed through a Sacramento City Council committee and will likely go to the full council after the new year. The Sacramento City Council Law and Legislation Committee unanimously approved the ordinance Tuesday.
Fire:
California lawmakers fear wildfires will be left out of FCC emergency guidelines
Fresno Bee
Without proper guidance, lawmakers fear victims of wildfires could be left further disadvantaged and without necessary tools of communication during disasters.
Fires in vacant buildings are rising in Fresno
abc30
Vacant structure fires continue to be a problem for Fresno firefighters. Officials say they're seeing more and more of these types of fires set by transients this time of year. The added calls for service are putting stress on resources while fires, in general, are up in Fresno.
Fire restrictions on 640,000 acres will be lifted Dec. 4
Visalia Times Delta
Billy Joel didn't start the fire, but beginning Wednesday, you can light one — responsibly and with a permit — on about 640,000 acres of public land.
PG&E is near $13.5-billion deal with wildfire victims, sources say
Los Angeles Times
Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. is close to finalizing terms for a $13.5-billion payout to victims of wildfires ignited by its power lines, a key step toward resolving the biggest utility bankruptcy in U.S. history, according to people familiar with the matter.
See also:
Attorneys say this photo shows the PG&E hook that started the Camp Fire San Francisco Chronicle
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
US trade gap narrows 7.6% to $47.2 billion in October
Fresno Bee
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October as imports fell faster than exports. The politically sensitive trade gap with China dropped.
California’s economy will grow faster than the nation’s, UCLA forecast predicts
Los Angeles Times
California’s economic growth will slow next year, but it is likely to outshine that of the nation overall, as Golden State employers boost payrolls, according to a new UCLA Anderson School forecast.
These places in California and the U.S. donated big to charities. Here’s why
Sacramento Bee
Americans who itemized their tax returns gave about $250 billion, or 3.4 percent of their income, to charity in the 2017 tax year, but charitable giving varied significantly between states, according to new IRS statistics.
Elizabeth Warren drafting legislation to reverse ‘mega-mergers’
Los Angeles Times
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is drafting a bill that would call on regulators to retroactively review about two decades of “mega mergers” and ban such deals going forward.
Column: We should be ashamed, but when it comes to Amazon, we just can’t help ourselves
Los Angeles Times
Amazon hasn’t divulged exactly how much it hauled in on Cyber Monday, but the company did say it had its biggest sales day ever. And CNN Business reported that the day’s sales from all sources topped $9 billion, a 17% increase over last year’s haul. One-third of the purchases were made on smartphones.
Jobs:
Natural hair bill helps boost business
abc30
In July, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, which bans employers or school officials from discriminating against people because of their natural hair.
The numbers: Target and T.J. Maxx might be killing Macy's
Visalia Times Delta
With retail earnings season winding down, a few lessons are clear from the latest round of reports. The biggest trend, continuing a pattern from recent years, is that brick-and-mortar sales are shifting away from department stores and toward more nimble competitors.
Modesto’s post of job opening day after employee died regrettable but not intentional
Modesto Bee
At 2 p.m. Monday, a Modesto city worker driving a three-axle garbage packer truck was killed in a tragic accident after veering off the road. Less than 24 hours later, here’s what the city posted on social media and in internal and external newsletters: “WE’RE HIRING!”
Behavioral health workers announce new strike dates at Kaiser facilities in California
Sacramento Bee
The union representing roughly 4,000 Kaiser Permanente mental health clinicians announced Wednesday that they have rescheduled their five-day strike for the week of December 16, after postponing it in November after the death of the company’s chief executive officer, Bernard Tyson.
Despite Job Boom, More Men Are Giving Up On Work
Capital Public Radio
The long economic recovery has brought unemployment to historic lows. But the number of men in the labor force during their prime working age has dropped significantly over the past 50 years.
Community Voices: Reflections from the Priority Regions
James Irvine Foundation
Recently, we convened community leaders from our Priority Regions pilot communities of Fresno and Salinas to inform, deepen, and scale the impact of our work as we consider expanding to new communities.
EDUCATION
K-12:
TUHSD Board to vote on buying out of JPA
Bakersfield Californian
The Taft Union High School District may finally be getting out of a complicated, decades-old joint powers agreement that is costing millions of dollars a year.
Fed Ed Funds Can't Help If Rules or Reticence Get in the Way
Real Clear Policy
The 2020 presidential contest has featured a bevy of ambitious proposals to boost federal school spending. Elizabeth Warren has called for quadrupling Title I funding to $450 billion, raising the ante on Joe Biden (who’d previously called for tripling Title I funding). Kamala Harris has called for spending $300 billion to raise teacher pay.
Higher Ed:
Nurses urge UC Davis Health to comply with law, develop plan to avert violence at work
Sacramento Bee
Registered nurses rallied Tuesday evening outside at UC Davis Medical Center, calling upon the University of California’s health system to comply with state regulations and develop a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.
Three CSUB educators get $22,000 grant to address equity in the classroom
KGET
Three faculty members with the Cal State Bakersfield Teacher Education department have received $22,000 from the TeachingWorks-CSU Methods Course Fellowship. The university said Brittney Beck, Jesus Esquibel and Alice Hays are the recipient of the grant, which aims to help them advance their coursework and field experiences for teacher candidates.
Social Mobility Index Highlights Transformative Power of the CSU
CSU
CollegeNET recently released its 2019 Social Mobility Index—a listing of the nation’s top universities propelling students and their families into higher economic strata. And nowhere in the country is this happening on a bigger scale than at the California State University.
Problems Paying For College Are Making It Hard To Graduate On Time
Capital Public Radio
More and more students are finding it hard to graduate in four years because of the high cost of a college education. Other contributing factors are having to repeat high school courses and the need to work part time, cutting into study time.
AEI
In the 2015–16 academic year, students from higher-income families were just as likely to take on debt for an initial year of an undergraduate education as were students from low-income families.
College Football Is a Money Pit, and One School Has Had Enough
Bloomberg
Jacksonville University surprised athletes, alumni and fans this week when it announced it was discontinuing its Division I football team, which had been competing for more than two decades. Administrators at the Florida school say the decision was financial. Operating a football team is expensive, and only getting pricier. More importantly, the investment wasn’t worth the benefits that are typically held up to justify the money-losing endeavor.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
California must act now to prepare for sea level rise, state lawmakers say
Los Angeles Times
At a packed meeting catering to state lawmakers and top planning officials, Mark Merrifield played a video that he and his research team at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have seen many times before.
See also:
Offshore drilling creates these new dangers onshore, environmental report says Fresno Bee
How Voters Can Assess New Climate Plans
RAND
While the U.S. government has announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, most presidential candidates and many states have proposed climate plans of their own.
Former VP Al Gore Warns Salk Audience Of Rapidly Warming Climate
KPBS
Former Vice President Al Gore told a San Diego audience Tuesday that the planet is increasingly showing signs of climate change. Gore did not mince words as he addressed the audience at the Salk Institute. He pointed out that wildfires around California and the rest of the world are increasing in frequency and intensity.
Energy:
California utility regulator led firm building power plant — and says bosses OK’d it
Fresno Bee
For much of the past three years, a lawyer for the California Public Utilities Commission has led a company that’s trying to build a hydroelectric plant that would piggyback on facilities owned and operated by PG&E Corp. — a development that some government ethics experts believe could constitute a conflict of interest.
Analysis: Trump Solar Tariffs cost 62K US jobs
The Hill
More than 62,000 jobs and nearly $19 billion in new private sector investment has been lost due to the 2018 tariffs Trump placed on solar imports, according to the study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Flu activity is picking up in California
Bakersfield Californian
Flu activity is picking up in California with elevated reports in a number of counties, including Kern, according to state and federal government health websites.
Hospital Groups Sue to Block Price-Transparency Rule
Wall Street Journal
Hospital groups sued to block a Trump administration rule forcing them to disclose secret rates, for the first time laying out the industry’s legal strategy for defeating the president’s central health-policy initiative.
Human Services:
Behavioral health workers announce new strike dates at Kaiser facilities in California
Fresno Bee
The National Union of Healthcare Workers said the strike would affect patients at more than 100 Kaiser facilities in California from Sacramento to San Diego. The clinicians say they want Kaiser to shorten wait times for patients trying to schedule return visits for behavioral health treatment and reduce caseloads for therapists.
The Price Ain’t Right: A Health Care Inequality Quiz
Capital & Main
Test your knowledge about inequities in America's health care system. How many people in the U.S. lacked health insurance in 2018? How many fewer people had health insurance in 2018 than in 2017?
IMMIGRATION
Board finds border agents broke rules in shooting at cars
Fresno Bee
Four Border Patrol agents didn't follow department rules when they opened fire in two separate incidents along the U.S.-Mexico Border, both involving agents shooting at drivers who were trying to speed away, a review board has found.
Three California governors revive cooperation agreement
San Diego Union-Tribune
As the federal government continues building a wall with Mexico, the governors of Baja California, Baja California Sur and California revive state commission aimed at cooperation
Trump is now forcing children to go it alone in immigration court
Los Angeles Times
The Justice Department recently issued a policy memo that would limit the access of noncitizens to legal assistance in immigration courts, the latest in a series of attacks on immigrants.
ICE Prison’s Dollar-a-Day Wages Face Class-Action Suit
Capital & Main
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees who allege they were required to work for $1 a day and, in many cases, for no pay at all, are one step closer to their day in court.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Main Road in Sequoia National Park reopens to Giant Sequoias
Porterville Recorder
Following a major snow storm that blanketed the parks’ giant sequoia groves in feet of snow, the main road, Generals Highway, to the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park has been reopened. Tire chains / cables are still required to see the giant sequoias.
Housing:
Newsom releases millions for homelessness crisis
abc30
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday $650 million in emergency aid will be allocated to cities and counties to combat California's homelessness crisis.
See also:
● Kern County eligible to receive millions from state to aid homeless epidemic Bakersfield Californian
● Tired of waiting for federal go-ahead, California Gov. Newsom releases homeless funding to counties, cities Desert Sun
● California to send millions of dollars to cities to combat homelessness Mercury News
● California governor blames Trump for delayed homeless aid Associated Press
● Gavin Newsom hires adviser forced out by Donald Trump in latest dustup over homelessness Sacramento Bee
● Trump Fired Him. Now California Has Made Him a Homelessness Adviser. New York Times
Trump administration holding up California homeless efforts, Newsom charges
San Francisco Chronicle
Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration of intentionally withholding key data on California’s homeless population, preventing the state from addressing a surging crisis.
See also:
● Trump administration ousts top homelessness official as White House prepares broad crackdown Washington Post
● He wanted to ban feeding homeless people. Now he’s about to lead a federal homeless agency Los Angeles Times
Sacramento Bee
Could smaller, more innovative and efficient types of housing be an answer to Sacramento’s housing crisis? Mayor Darrell Steinberg thinks so. Steinberg wants to fund what he calls “efficiency housing,” meaning non-traditional housing that is quicker and cheaper to construct.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Trump’s Tax Cuts Push U.S. Tax Burden Lower in World
Wall Street Journal
President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts reduced the U.S. tax burden to one of the lowest among major world economies, according to a Thursday report by an intergovernmental organization.
‘This was not a close election’: Losing CalPERS candidate drops challenge
Sacramento Bee
A former state government union leader who lost an election for a seat on the CalPERS Board of Administration in October has withdrawn a challenge he filed alleging state officials and pension board members helped his opponent win.
TRANSPORTATION
Main Road in Sequoia National Park reopens to Giant Sequoias
Porterville Recorder
Following a major snow storm that blanketed the parks’ giant sequoia groves in feet of snow, the main road, Generals Highway, to the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park has been reopened. Tire chains / cables are still required to see the giant sequoias.
If you drive in California, you may have been ripped off. Here’s how to find out.
Sacramento Bee
Manufacturers of car parts settled a class action lawsuit with California and are paying millions of dollars in penalties. Drivers who bought over-priced vehicle equipment can get money.
California cuts electric-car rebates, drops luxury models
San Francisco Chronicle
California’s rebate program to coax more drivers to buy electric vehicles just got less generous, especially for those looking to spend on a luxury model. Effective Tuesday, state regulators have stopped offering rebates for buyers of electric cars or plug-in hybrid vehicles that cost more than $60,000 — a move that will make buyers of high-end Tesla models dig deeper into their pockets.
California recovers $23M from auto parts makers’ bid rigging
Associated Press
California has recovered more than $23 million from settlements with 52 automobile parts manufacturers for illegal bid rigging that jacked up consumer costs, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Wednesday. The parts makers suppressed competition by conspiring to fix prices in automobile manufacturers’ requests for bids, Becerra said.
WATER
Trump jump-starts repairs for sinking California canal. But who will pay?
Sacramento Bee
The Trump administration is jump-starting a plan to repair abadly sinking canal in the San Joaquin Valley, a year after California voters rejected a bond measure that would have had them pay for the project.
See also:
Feds begin working on fix for Friant-Kern Canal Bakersfield Californian
California Gov. Gavin Newsom downsizes Delta water project: one tunnel, not two
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom, diving into one of California’s most contentious water issues, said Tuesday he wants to downsize the Delta tunnels project. The Democratic governor also set out to overhaul state water policy by naming a new chair of the state’s water board.
See also:
Fishing groups sue federal agencies over latest water plan for California San Francisco Chronicle
On water, California and feds need to work together for the benefit of fish, farmers and 27 million people CALMatters
● Opinion: On water, California, feds need to work together for the benefit of fish, farmers Visalia Times Delta
It’s not over yet -more rain on the way to the Central Valley. Here’s what to expect
Fresno Bee
The Central Valley residents can expect a brief reprieve from the week-long downpour on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. But the recent spate of storms in the Valley is expected to continue with a new storm system this weekend, and another one next week.
See also:
● Valley's rain total now almost at normal after storm abc30
‘Atmospheric rivers’ wreak huge economic damage in California and West, study finds
Sacramento Bee
Atmospheric rivers, the extreme weather events that dump inches of rain on Western states, cause more than $1 billion in flood damage every year. A large share of the damage measured over four decades occurred in 20 counties, including Sonoma, Marin and Sacramento, where the weather system lead to thousands of insurance claims.
See also:
● Atmospheric rivers cause $1 billion in damage a year, study shows, and are getting worse Los Angeles Times
● Atmospheric river storms getting worse, cause billions in damage across California Los Angeles Times
● Big atmospheric rivers do a lot of damage — especially in Northern California San Francisco Chronicle
Notorious storms getting worse, cause billions in damage across California
Los Angeles Times
Atmospheric river storms like the one pounding California this week are becoming more intense and cost Western states roughly $1 billion in damage annually, according to a report on the weather phenomenon.
See also:
● Big atmospheric rivers do a lot of damage — especially in NorCal San Francisco Chronicle
“Xtra”
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield Christmas Parade gets underway at 6 p.m. Thursday. The parade begins by moving south on 22nd and L streets, moves west on 21st Street, south on G Street and to the east on 20th before ending near 20th and N and O streets.
Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies planned for Saturday
Bakersfield Californian
Rain or shine, a commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is expected to begin at 9:55 a.m. Saturday at historic Union Cemetery in east Bakersfield. Marc Sandall, who has organized the annual ceremonies for years, said Saturday's event will include music by the Veterans Family Band, and a special guest, in military uniform, will sing the national anthem.
What happens with city holiday parades if it rains this weekend in Modesto, valley?
Modesto Bee
It’ll be a holly, rainy Christmas for many cities as they kick off the holidays this weekend. Cities across the Northern San Joaquin Valley will celebrate the start of the Christmas season with parades and other festivities despite weather reports warning of wet days ahead. The “rain or shine” clause on various holiday celebrations will be put to the test as the National Weather Service forecasts rain, with some wind gusts, both Friday and Saturday.
What’s going on in the Modesto region? A lot, here’s a look
Modesto Bee
GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS HOLIDAY POPS ▪ Dec. 6-7: Modesto Symphony Orchestra annual holiday program. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7. $39-$94.
Test yourself with our new free game: PolitiTruth
Think you can tell the difference between True and False?
Do you really know what is fake news?
Support the Maddy Daily
Thank you!
Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe: mjeans@csufresno.edu